Steam pressing iron



June 29, 1943. J. c. LEDBETTl-:R

STEAM PRESSING IRON Filed Sept. 5, 194K.` 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 'm a lari l Am V u June 29, 1943. J. c. LEDBETTER STEAM PRESSING IRON Filed sept. s, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Patented June 29, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STEAM PRESSING IRON James C. Ledbetter, New York, N. Y.

Application September 3, 1940, Serial No. 355,160

24 Claims.

rapidly as the steam is generated. The steamlo emission is free and not timed or controlled in i,

function of relieving boiler pressure by wasting the steam toatmosphere as a safety measure in preventing boiler explosion.

A further object is to produce a new steam iron which, although it continuously boils the water and generates steam to the same extent as the conventional teakettle type iron, nevertheless has steam discharge control means arranged in combination with the water boiler and steam outlet port so as to accumulate the steam in the boiler under pressure for periodic discharge onto the any manner, with the result that steaming is lu Workcontinuous on the Work whether or not the operator may desire it and despite the fact that the class of textile fabric being ironed at the moment may require either more or less steam than is being delivered. Also the steam emits at low pressure (substantially at atmospheric pressure) onto the work due to the fact that the steam outlet from the boiler is open to atmosphere at all times. This means that the steam begins a simmering flow at the inception of its generation, there being no means to coni-lne the steam and raise its pressure in the generating chamber or boiler.

Consequently, the free-steam conventional iron just referred to boils its water at normal-atmospheric pressure (about pounds at sea level) which not only means that the available steam l It is also an object to produce asteam iron in \several forms of construction having control l5 valve means characterized by alternate modes of operati-ng functions, rst, a semi-automatic steam control which combines the functions of both a manual and an automatic control and, second, a fully-automatic control not governed by the ironing operator but responsive only to the rising steam pressure.

In the foregoing connection, it is also an object to provide several types of valve means adaptable to the aforementioned alternate control modes or functions. This invention, therefore, affords a choice from which to select the type of steam iron most desirable to manufacture for the trade from the standpoints of both function and construction.

is at low pressure and low temperature but the .su Another Object iS t0 produce a Controlled steam temperature of the iron itself is held to a low iron having a simple Safety valve which not only value (substantially at 212) which is not entirely Permits Continuous Steam generatiOn but also satisfactory for all classes of textile finishing and Serves to accumulate the Steam in the bOiler 0r laundry ironing work, Such a steam pressing generator, whereupon said valve opens at a preiron, now coming into use, is Sometimes called m determined pressure to discharge the steam onto the continuous steamer or the teakettle iron the Work Wllloh lS Somewhat greater and hence because its steam flow is free and continuous not at higher temperature than iS availablelin the unlike that from the spout of a teakettle. ieakettle type iron 0f the prior art. It is, thereforey a general purpose of this inverb Also an object. is to provide a steam iron with a tion to improve upon the continuous steamer or 4u manually Controlled ValVe embOdying diaphragm teakettie type of Steam non and to produce a means for performing several functions, to-wit, new @ne based 0n new principles embodying con that Of hOldng the Valve Il. predetermined Tela,- trol means which not only automatically regulates tion to its Steam outlet port, automatically openthe discharge of steam onto the Work by interng the Valve t0 Steam Spray and mOiSten the mittent flow, or permits the operator to do so Work at predetermined Pressure, and. alSO p'lO- periodically, or combines both of these functions Vidlng a hermetically-Sealed manually-operable so as to selectively time or control the stcalrl dis- Valve Stem extending rltO the bOiler which rencharge, but also increases the temperature of the ders Unnecessary the Se 0f a packing 01 Stllng iron` as well as its steam pressure, to a degree and glandvalue substantially higher than in thc teakettle It iS a further Object t0 provide a steam iron of type steam irons now in use. the COIltlnuOuS Water bOiliIlg type but charac- It is also an Object to produce a Steam nen terized by havingacontrol means for the periodic having simple valve means by which te attain the discharge of steam, as aforesaid, in combination foregoing purposes without employing an o-'Jdiwith a new form of handle for the iron and its nary prior art safety valve merely having the old steam control manual, whereby these parts remain cool and comfortable to the hand of an operator while using this iron at higher temperature than ordinarily prevailing in the prior art.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention relates to the new construction and combination of parts arranged according to the new principles and mode of operation as herein explained, as well as shown in the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred form or examples of the invention, with its several uses and advantages, wherein:

Figure 1 shows my steam iron in side elevation, broken away at its front end, revealing a new steam-pressure discharge-valve means for periodically steaming the work and having both the semi-automatic and full-automatic control functions previously mentioned. This view is presented especially to show the normally-open valve feature (Form 1 of the invention), wherein the valve is manually closed and held closed by the operator to trap the steam and raise its pressure in the generating chamber but nevertheless adapted to automatically open should the operator hold the valve closed for an unduly long period.

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view, showing in sectional detail a valve means similar in principle to Figure 1 but constructed and arranged somewhat diierently for performing the normally-closed valve function (Form 2) which does not require the operators attention to either close or open it, although the operator nevertheless may use the manual control to open the valve and steam the work when desired.

Figure 3 in effect is a position view of Figure 2 and shows the valve control manual (for example a trigger) in the position assumed when actuated or lifted by an operators finger (indicated by arrow), the function of which in one instance is to additionally load more and maintain longer than normal the normally-closed steam control valve on its seat in order to build up steam pressure in the boiler, and in another instance to bounce the valve off its seat for prematurely opening the steam port by compressional reactance of the resilient valve means to promote the instant discharge of steam into the work. In either event the work receives a shot of steam in large volume under substantial pressure. Such choice of steam control and dual function is hereinafter more fully explained.

Figure 4 shows a modified form or species of steam control valve means (Form 3) employing a disk or flat bellows diaphragm, as distinguished from the tubular or cylindrical bellows diaphragm shown in previous views. Both types of control valve units not only are saitsfactory for either form vof the invention (normally-open or normally-closed valve type) but also afford a choice of construction for either mode of valve function selected.

Figures 5 and 6 show the invention (Form 4) in one of its simplest forms, comprising a disk diaphragm valve means for the full-automatic control of thesteam outlet port leading to the work, periodically acting to discharge steam under substantial pressure, and characterized by eliminating both forms and modes of manual controls presented in Figures l and 2. The valve is normally closed in Figure 5 causing the iron to build up its steam pressure, and is automatically open in Figure 6 due to pressure and discharging steam into the work as indicated by the arrows.

Figure 7 is a side view of the foregoing steam iron, having new features in its handle and trig- A ger valve control means constructed and arranged to maintain these parts in cool condition comfortable to the operator.

The drawings are now referred to for a description of the illustrated examples of the invention. A conventional steam iron is shown. for the purpose of explaining the invention, in so far as concerns known parts such as the water boiler, sole plate, heating means, and other parts. Like parts having the same function are indicated by the same reference numbers throughout.

Any suitable form of sole plate I may be used in this steam iron shaped with a pointed front end 2 and wide rear end, as known in the art and illustrated by a bottom view thereof in Figure 8. The sole plate I is fitted with a heating element 3, and a flexible electrical cord connection 4 may extend laterally from the right-side of the iron as in conventional practice. A handle 5 of suitable form is mounted on the iron. An operator grasps the handle and moves the iron back and forth on the work spread out upon an ironing board in the usual way.

A water tank or steam boiler 6 is formed with or tted to and carried by the electrically heated sole plate I in any conventional manner. For example, the water tank shown is of simple form and comprises a hollow cast or stamped member, say closed at the bottom where it .is anchored to the sole plate I. The tank or steam boiler 6 is adapted as a heated water chamber large enough to hold several pints more or less of water which is adequate for a normal period of steam ironing upwardly of one hour more or less.

'I'he water chamber 6 may be formed open at its top, as a manufacturing expedient, and is closed by a cap 1 of elongated form fitted with gasket means to seal it as a. closed water chamber l, 1 adapted to function as a steam generator for holding steam under pressure. A water ll plug or cap 8 is unscrewed to open a water fill hole by which to fill the boiler with water and is then screwed tightly onto its gasket to make a steam tight joint.

Steam spraying perforations 9 of known form may be used. These steaming holes open outwardly and downwardly through the polished ironing surface of the sole plate onto the work and communicate with a steam feed channel I0. 'I'hus steam flows outwardly through the steam spray holes 9 directly upon and perpendicular to the work. Conduit means in the form of an upright tube I2 leads or transmits the steam from the water boiler 6, I downwardly to the steam feed channel I0. The tube I2 may be screw threaded at its lower end into a bored and tapped bushing nut I3 which is screwed down on a gasket and thence through the bottom wall of the water tank 6 into the sole plate I to make a steam and water pressure tight joint for anchoring the parts together. The upper end of the steam tube I2 is open to form a. steam outlet port, I4 leading from the steam chamber down into the spray holes 9.

Preferably, the open top end I4 of the tube I2 extends well above the water line and into a steam dome I5 rising from the front end of the cover cap I fitted to the chamber 6. Accordingly, steam rises in the dome and flows downwardly through the tube and directly through the steam spray openings 9, I0 onto the work. The steam simmers and flows at low pressure outwardly through the foraminous sole plate I from the beginning of the water boiling period to the end thereof, irrespective of ironing and pressing requirements.

It is to be seen that the iron thus far described, having its steam generator 6 normally open to atmosphere through the tube I2, cannot attain a working temperature noticeably higher than water boiling temperature at normal atmospheric pressure. Such a temperature is around 212 at sea level and less at higher altitudes but may increase slightly when the iron is held tightly against the work partially closing the steam spray orifice means 9 thereby making a temporary condition tending to negligibly raise the pressure and temperature in the boiler 6. Such low ironing temperature is slow and not suited to all classes of work, likewise the steam flow is continuous, and at low pressure; thus three disadvantages are noted which my invention seeks to overcome.

This invention improves the performance of the foregoing known continuous steaming or teakettleA type iron by providing either automatic or manual control or both in respect to the open` tube end or steam port forming a valve seat I4. My new steam iron not only discharges steam under greater pressure than irons now on the market but does so intermittently, either under the automatic control of its own steam pressure or the manual control of an operator, and at higher temperature, as will now be explained.

Figure 1 shows the normally-open steam valve In coming to this description of the first form of my invention, reference also may be made to the position View (Figure 3), although a modilied form, merely as a means of explaining the different positions of my rst valve shown in Figure 1. This is the normally-open and manually controlled steam valve adapted to beclosed only by the effort of the operator; it does not close automatically but will open automatically if held closed manually too long. Consequently, the iron operates as a continuous steamer or teakettle type, except during the time the operator holds the valve closed (Figure 3) to shut oiT the steam ow through the discharge tube I2.

Any suitable form of valve head II, larger in diameter than the normally-open outlet port I4, is carried within the steam dome I5 just above said port. The valve head I1 is mounted on resilient means, such as a spring or a diaphragm or reciprocable stem or other means, by which to hold it normally open, that is, just above the port I4 so the latter remains open unless the valve Il i's pressed to its seat by the finger of the operator. For the latter purpose, a valve actuating manual I8 is pivoted at i9 on the iron, say on its handle 5, above or proximate the steam dome I5.

The trigger manual I8 is convenient for the foregoing purpose and has its inner end 20 operatively associated with a valve plunger or stem 2I slidably mounted in and through the head Wall of the steam dome I5. The inner or lower end of the valve stem 2| may operatively engage, or rest upon, or carry, the resiliently supported valve head I'I, the stem being held normally up or outwardly by the resiliently mounted valve head, as later explained. Thus the operators hand around the handle 5 finds it convenient for her forenger (see arrow in Figure 3) to lift the outertrigger end I8. This lifting action moves the normally-open valve I'I downwardly and closes the port I4, thereby shutting off the steam ow through the tube I2 and trapping the steam in the generating chamber 6. The valve Il being larger in diameter than the outside diameter of the port I4( means that the accumulating steam pressurell begins to push upwardly on the valve tending" to open it.

The valve means I4, I1 now being closed by the operator, the steam pressure immediately begins to rise in the heated water chamber 6 and likewise the temperature of the iron rises. Consequently, the operator for the moment, while holding the manual\ IB upwardly with the valve closed, uses the irondry, that is, operates the iron back and forth a few strokes across the previously steamed work to nish it in a dry state. Having finished ironing dry one area of the work, the operator releases the trigger I3 (Figure 1) which causes the valve I1 to pop open (aided by the steam pressure) and the iron delivers a charge of steam under pressure into a new area of the work. The steam continues to flow but with diminishing pressure so long as the operator does not pull upwardly on the trigger. She again stops the steam ilow at any time by closing the valve II onto its seat I4 in order to make the necessary strokes of dry ironing to finish a new area of work and so on.

The foregoing mode of steam control while ironing is an advantage, since with the old function of continuous emission of the steam as in the conventional iron. the steam dampened work was being redampened all the more as the iron moved back and forth, but with my steam shut-off manual I8 the work more quickly can be ironed dry. Consequently, the work is removed from the ironing board in a dry state and is ready to wear or store or bundle, as the case may be. Furthermore, the operator not only has available a volume of steam at high temperature and pressure but also a choice of ordinary dry-ironing at intervals without steam.

Should the operator hold the valve manual I8 upwardly -for an abnormally long period and build up high pressure steam in the chamber 6. thc valve II will pop open automatically in any event by steam pressure and actually pull the trigger away from the operator. Thusly, the steam pressure relieves itself into the work; it is not wasted into the atmosphere. Actually, the popping open of the steam valve I'I, to relieve the steam pressure out through the tube I2, occurs through a resilient or elastic supporting means which operatively mounts the valve inside the steam dome I5. This and other features are next described.

I have found one satisfactory form of resilient supporting means for the valve II to consist of a tubular diaphragm 23 of the bellows or acrordion type. This is Ia thin wall spun bronze or brass tubular member annularly corrugated to render it longitudinally elastic not unlike the resiliency of a coil spring. Metallic bellows are commonly used in thermal work and other instrumentalities, one well known type on the market being known under the trade-mark Sylphon." I use a Sylphon diaphragm or other'make bellows 23 about the size shown in Figure 2 for` a standard size steam iron. The tubular bellows 23 is closed at its bottom and preferably sweated or soldered onto the corrosion-proof metal disk I1 forming the valve head.` In fact, the at bottom of the bellows itself will act as the valve head to seat pressure tight against the open tube end I4.

The upper end of the elastic bellows 23 may be formed open for the purpose of this invention dome by any suitable means. In the present example, the upper open end of the tubular diaphragm is sweated on or into an annular groove turned in the hex head 24 of a smooth bored bushing nut 25 which seals oi the interior of the tubular bellows from the steam pressure in the dome I5. The nut 25 is screwed into final position against a gasket and extends through the top wall of the steam dome. See Figure 2 or 3 showing the valve unit assembly now being described in connection with the normally-open valve (Form 1) in Figure 1. It is now seen how the metallic bellows 23 resiliently suspends the valve II above the open port I4. The axially smooth bored nut 25 receives the valve stem 2I (previously described) with a freely sliding fit therein. The stem 2I has its outer end projecting upwardly through the nut (hence through the wall of the steam dome I5) where it is close to the trigger end 20 while its inner end extends into the closed bottom of the tubular diaphragm 23.

It is noted that the inner end of the valve stem 2I is shown in Figure 1 to appropriately rest against the inside bottom of the diaphragm 23, this simple construction being used for the purpose of explaining the principle in question at this point. However, I have used the spring pressed valve and shorter valve stem shown in Figures 2 and 3 to good advantage in connection with the normally-open valve setting now being described in Figure 1.

A short upward motion of the nger piece I 8 of the trigger reciprocates the valve stem inwardly to stretch or expand the elastic diaphragm 23 for seating its valve head I1 steam tight onto the outlet port I4. The inherent elasticity of the bellows 23, to say nothing of the steam pressure pushing back against it, maintains the valve head I1 in its normally upward position (Figure 1) so that the steam continuously flows through the foraminous ironing face 9. This steam flow is continuous so long as the operators finger is free of the trigger I8, as shown in Figure 1, where the arrows indicate the rise of steam into the dome I5 from the water W in the chamber 6 and the ow thereof through the tube I2 and out the perforations or orifice means 9 onto the work.

Of next importance is the fact that the diaphragm valve assembly II, 23 provides a most effective seal or steam tight fit for the internal operation (closing) of the valve I1 from a source external of the steam dome I5. A stuing box or packing gland is not required for the reciprocable valve stem 2|. In fact, a packing gland could not be used with any satisfaction in a case of this kind. The result is that the diaphragm 23 not only is used as a resilient support for operatively mounting or suspending the valve head I1 within the steam chamber 5 above the steam port I4 to maintain said port normally open, but also carries out the function of internal-external valve control through the wall of the steam dome without resorting to a packing gland.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that the normally-open valve (Figure 1) permits the steam to begin simmering and escaping through the spray perforations 9 (or any other spray orice means employed) at the inception of steam generation, with the result that steam is wasted unless the operator immediately starts ironing. Nevertheless, the steam controlled iron shown in Figure l has the advantage of affording a cycle or sequence of steaming and dry ironing the work vand is sealed onto the inner wall of the steam which is a mode of operation preferred over continuous steaming where the work is still damp after ironing it as in former practice.

Inasmuch as the steam dome I5 at'the front of the iron attains high temperature and in one form of construction the valve'actuating trigger I8 may be located closely to the dome, I have provided a heat insulating shield 26 between the hot dome and trigger. This part 26 is molded onto or attached to the rear portion of the steam dome Wall rising integrally from water tank cover 1. The shield 26 may be semi-circular in form to extend partially around the dome neck I5 and prevents the operators nger from coming in direct contact with the steam chamber.

Figures 2 and 3 show the normally-closed steam valve This modied construction is similar in principle to Figure 1 above described but has an arrangement and mode of operation differing in function in certain particulars. This normallyclosed valve is both automatically and manually controllable, hence semi-automatic in operation. This valve means connes the steam within the electrically heated chamber 6 against premature escape through the spray perforations 9 from the inception of steam generation. Consequently, the operator does not hold the trigger I8 to maintain the valve closed for building up steam pressure in the chamber preliminary to starting the ironing, as occurs in the Figure 1 form of normally-open valve.

The parts which are substantially the same in structure and function as heretofore described are given the same reference numbers here. Accordingly, the trigger I8 is pivoted as before at I9 above the steam dome I5, the trigger end 20 coacting with a valve unit carried by the axially smooth bored bushing nut 24, 25 which is screw threaded steam tight through the upper wall of the steam dome. Likewise, the bored and tapped bushing nut I3 opens into the steam spray chamber 9, Ill as before.

To now describe the features which characterize this normally-closed valve control, it is noted that a valve head 28 is carried on the lower closed end of a tubular diaphragm 29 which has its upper open end sealed onto the inner wall of the steam dome, by use of the nut 24, 25. The upper open end of the diaphragm is sealed steam tight with the head 24 of the nut, as heretofore explained. A valve stem 39 is movably retained in the bore of the nut 25 and is somewhat shorter than the valve stem 2I shown in Figure 1.

A coil spring 3I is mounted within the sealed diaphragm 29 between its lower end and the value stem 30. It is important to note that the lower end of the coil spring 3| is attached at 32 with the inside bottom of the tubular diaphragm 29, as by snapping or screwing a coil of the spring over a flanged boss 32 carried by the diaphragm. The lower end of the coil spring may be attached to the diaphragm valve assembly 28, 29 by a pin or other suitable means. Thusly, the spring 3l is attached to the valve head 28 to effect its mode of operation, as later explained.

A steam tube 33 has its lower end screw threaded water tight into the bushing nut I3 as heretofore explained for tube I2. 'I'he upper end of the tube 33 is fitted with a valve seat 34 adjustably screw threaded thereupon. This valve seat is made smaller in diameter than the valve head 28 in order that the steam pressure in cham..

ber 6 may exert an opening i'orce thereagainst. It will be noted that this adjustable valve seat 34 may be dispensed with inasmuch as the tube 33 may be made suiliciently long to reach the resiliently mounted valve head 28 so as to be normally closed thereby. However, the adjustable valve seat 34 is used to advantage since it can be initially screwed up or down to vary the effective length of the tube 33 and hence the compression of the diaphragm 29 to resiliently close the valve 23 onto its seat 34 and close the tube 33. The adjustable valve seat 34 accomplishes this valve setting to a iine degree of accuracy.

When the control parts are initially assembled in the iron chamber 6,. the valve seat 34 is adjusted upwardly until it just touches the valve head 28, and the seat 34 is then screwed upwardly another one or two turns in order to impart slight compression to the diaphragm 29, whereupon the valve seat may be xed in that position by a lock nut. In this way, the diaphragm valve means 28, 29 is set softly but rmly against the valve seat 34 to normally close it and the steam tube 33. Therefore, when the steam begins t generate it is trapped initially within the cham-l ber 8, not prematurely wasting down the tube 33, until the steam pressure has increased to that predetermined amount (some two or three pounds pressure) which is required to overcome the seating resiliency of the diaphragm 29 to automatically pop its valve 28 ofi of the seat 34, thereby audibly indicating to the operator that the iron is ready for use.

When the operator starts ironing, the aforementioned automatic pop-oi action of the valve means 23, 29 can be opposed by the operator holding upwardly on the trigger i8 to compress the spring 3| thereby applying an additional load or seating force to maintain the valve closed a little longer for increasing somewhat the steam pressure above that which normally would exist if she kept her nger oi the trigger. In either event, when the valve 28 pops oi its seat a blast of steam is discharged through the foraminous sole plate I, this mode of operation being automatic for steaming the work with high pressure and high temperature steam.

Suppose now that the operator desires to steam the Work manually, that is, without waiting for the valve 28 to automatically open by steam pressure as above explained, the question arises as to how that is accomplished. 'Ihe construction here disclosed (Figures 2 and 3) enables that to be done in effect by bouncing the valve head 23 oi its seat 34. By pulling upwardly on the trigger I3 its full limit to fully compressl the spring 3|, followed by the operator quickly snapping his nger o the trigger, there occurs a sud'- den and momentary cracking or easing of the valve 28 which initiates its unseating.

The foregoing characteristic action lets the steam get under the valve 28 with the result that it now automatically. opens and remains open under steam pressure until the discharge of steam and drop in pressure is sufficient to equalize the two forces, that is, the downward force of the diaphragm tending to close the valve onto its seat 34 and the upward force of the steam pressure tending to hold it oi its seat. When such equalization of the two opposing forces takes place, the valve-"will again automatically close. The lower end of the spring 3| being fixed at 32 to the diaphragm valve means 28, 29 simply means that the sudden release of the compressed spring 3| causes its lower end to react momenthereby reducing its valve seating eort and relieving or easing the normal seating inertia of the valve 23 just enough to let the steam get a start under it into the tube 33.

Since a little less steam pressure is required to maintain the valve 23 01T its seat 34 than t0 actually overcome Aits seating force and initially open it against the inertia, it follows that the operator, by the manual control I3, can click or bounce the `valve 28 oir its seat and direct a blast of steam under pressure into the work without waiting for the valve to automatically open under steam pressure. The operator simply snaps the trigger I8 against the spring 3|, and the sudden reaction of said spring from its compression exerts an upward force which, when added to the upward force of the steam pressure, is suiilcient to kick or bounce the valve 28 open. This form of the invention affords both manual and automatic steam control and is sometimes referred to as the semil-automatic'control.

Figure 4 shows a disk type diaphragm valve unit This species of the invention affords a choice of diaphragm type in producing the valve unit. Such new valve unit can be used in the same manner as the normally-open valve (Figure l) or the normally-closed valve (Figures 2 and 3) heretofore described. It employs a disk diaphragm instead of the tubular type heretofore described.

A smooth bored bushing nut 35 is integrally formed with a skirt or inverted cup 36. The lower open end of the inverted cup is fitted with a ilat corrugated metallic diaphragm 31, the perimeter of which is sealed into the housing 36 in any suitable way, as by a ring 33 screwed or pressed thereinto with a steam tight t. The ring seals the resilient diaphragm into the cup against the escape of steam from the dome I5 out through the bore of the nut 3-5 in the same fashion as heretofore described for the tubular diaphragm in the rst three views. A valve head 39 is iixed centrally to the lower face of the disk diaphragm 31.

A valve stem 40 is slidably retained in the bore of the nut 35, and a flange 4| may be formed on the lower end of the stem to limit its outward movement. The stem 40 has its outer end projecting from the nut 35 for the same purposes as heretofore described, that is, for operative engagement with a manual control, say the trigger I8. A coil spring 42 is mounted within the cup 36 between the elastic disk diaphragm 31 and lower end of the valve stem. This coil spring also may have its lower end connected at 32 (as previously explained) with the diaphragm valve 31, 39 in order to attain both the manual and 'the automatic control function, as heretofore explained for Figures 2 and 3.

The disk diaphragm valve assembly 35, 31 may be substituted for either form of tubular diaphragm valve assemblies heretofore described. This is apparent by observing that Figure 4 is placed on the sheet in exact lateral alignment with the tubular diaphragm valve assembly 25, 29 in Figure 2. Such illustration indicates how the disk type valve means 31, 39 may be screwed into the steam dome I5 to take the place of the one shown in the previous views and coact with the upper end of the steam tube |2 or 33, as previously explained.

This disk type of diaphragm valve means 35, 31 can be adjustably set normally-open for a wholly tarily and pull upwardly on the diaphragm 29 l manual controlk position (Figure 1) or it may be adjusted to a normally-closed position for both manual and automatic control (Figures 2 and 3). The. nner position is semi-automatic in function since this new valve means 31, 39 is responsive to either the finger pressure control of the operator applied to the trigger I8 or to the steam pressure in the chamber 6 acting against the diaphragm 31. Consequently, this valve device controls the discharge of steam into the work in the same manner as heretofore explained in connection with Figures 1 and 2.

Figures 5 and 6 show a fully-automatic valvecontrol steam-discharge means These two views show closed and open valve positions of a fully-automatic steam control which eliminates both types of manual controls heretofore explained. A corrugated resilient metallic disk diaphragm 44 is sealed into the upper end of the steam dome I5 by a ring 45 or other means effecting a steam tight joint. A valve head 46 is carried on the lower central face of this flexible disk and is adapted to normally close a steam discharge tube 41 which leads from the upper end of the dome downwardly into the steam passage I and spray holes 9, as heretofore described.

'I'heitube 41 is open at its upper end and is accurately set in height by screw adjustment or other means so that when mounted in the iron, say in the bushing nut I3 as in previous views, its upper open end engages the valve head 46 with slight upward tension imparted to the diaphragm 44. Thus the flexure or tension of the disk diaphragm seats the valve against the open port of the tube 41 and maintains it normally closed.

By screw setting the steam tub 41 in the bushing nut I3 to adjustably bring the upper open end of said tube snugly against the valve head 46, with just a slight lift imparted to the center of the metallic disk 44 (Figure 1), the elastic characteristic of the disk is availed of to hold the valve 46 normally closed until two or three pounds 0f steam pressure more or less accumulates in the steam chamber 6 and pops open the valve. One or two pounds of steam pressure, or slightly higher if desired by particular ironing operators, is found to give a satisfactory ironing pressure and steam temperature.

In operation, the steam pressure gradually increases until it overcomes and lifts the normallyclosed disk diaphragm valve unit 44, 46 with the result that the valve automatically is popped off of its seat and opens the tube 41 (Figure 6). The steam discharges from the dome I through the tube until the pressure drops to a value where the resilient diaphragm overcomes the steam pressure and again iiexes downwardly to its normal position and closes the tube. This automatic steaming of the work follows with sufficient frequency during ironing to give good results, inA that there is anintermediate dry ironing period between each automatic steaming period.

This fully-automatic steam iron control is simple in structure and operation, requires no attention from the operator, and affords alternatl cycles of steam-ironing and dry-ironing. While this branch of the invention is shown in connection with the disk diaphragm 44 it will be understood that a tubular diaphragm can also be used. Either type of elastic metallic bellows serves the several purposes of a valve means adapted to the new function of periodically and automatically discharging steam to the work, increasing the pressure and temperature above that afforded by conventional irons, and renders safe the trapping of the steam in the dome I5 of the boiler 6.

From the foregoing descriptions of .the several different embodiments of my invention, it is now seen that the only means of escape for the steam from the boiler 6 is through the discharge tube and its open port out through the ironing sole plate to atmosphere. Therefore, a single valve means not only acts as a safety valve to insure against undueboiler pressure, the relief of which is out through the work when ironing rather than being wasted to atmosphere, but

,also acts as the control valve for normally and periodically steaming the work. This arrangement reduces the number of operating parts and simplifies the construction of the iron.

Figure 7 shows a handle yand valve-control manual designed to remain cool As previously stated, my new steam controlled iron operates at somewhat higher steam pressure and consequently at greater ironing temperature than steam sadirons now coming into use. 'I'he result is that attention must be given to the problem of maintaining at as low temperature as possible those parts of the iron which are held by the operator, and this means the handle of the iron and the valve operating manual for controlling the ow of steam into the work. The new handle and valve control sub-combination (Figure 7) is found to be very desirable for use in connection with my steam controlled irons.

In this new construction, the steam generating chamber 6, 1 has the same or a similar steam dome I5, as heretofore described. The steam dome contains one of the valve units heretofore described, say one of the manually-operable steam-control units (Figures 1-4) comprising either a tubular or disk diaphragm valve assembly adapted either to the normally-open or normally-closed mode of operation, 'I'he body of the iron has the same part numbers as before, except that I have indicated the valve stem at 49 projecting from the upper end of the steam dome I5. This valve stem 49 performs the same function as heretofore described in connection with the valve stems 2I or 30 or 40 in Figures 1-4.

The characteristic feature of the Figure 7 construction resides in the fact that an air space is provided between the front end of the handle and the hot steam dome I5. This arrangement ventilates and keeps the handle and valve manual cool. In this connection, a handle 50 has a rear down turned integral leg 5I with a long forwardly projecting integral foot 52 anchored to the top of the water tank 6, 1 of the iron in any suitable way, as by the use of screws or any other suitable means.

'I'he forward end of the handle 50 may extend over the hot steam dome I5 proximate thereto but does not touch it, thereby providing an air insulating space between the hot steam dome and handle. This not only maintains the handle 50 at a low temperature comfortable to the operator but likewise means that a valve control manual 53 is maintained cool since it is pivoted at 54 on the handle and away from the steam dome. The trigger 53 is operable up and down in a slot 55 formed in the handle. This design and construction supports the trigger and handle out of contact with the hottest part of the iron, the steam dome I5.

Inasmuch as the main invention (Figures 1-6) relating to steam-discharge valve-control means, serves to operate a steam iron at higher temperature than the conventional free-steam irons now in use, it follows that this new handle and trigger assembly 50, 53 is preferred over the ordinary handle construction shown in previous views because its manual parts remain at lower temperature and more comfortable to the operators hand. The trigger 53 is of course omitted when this new handle 50 is used with the full-automatic steam iron shown in Figures 5 and 6.

This invention is presented to fill a need for a useful steam pressing iron. It is understood that various modifications in construction, operation and use, may and often do occur to those skilled in the art, especially after benefiting from the teachings of an invention, and that this disclosure and appended claims are descriptive of the principles but not limited to the present embodiment of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A steam pressing iron comprising, in combination, a heated water chamber in which steam is generated, a heated sole plate carried with the chamber and open through its ironing surface for discharging steam therefrom, conduit means having an open end disposed upright within the chamber and leading steam from the chamber to the sole plate for steaming the work being ironed, a valve operatively mounted above the open end of the conduit means exteriorly thereof and supported by the chamber forV shutting olithe flow of steam to the sole plate so long as the steam does not exceed a predetermined pressure, and resilient diaphragm means forming part of the valve and constituting means for supporting said valve in the chamber and being responsive to an increase of steam pressure above said predetermined pressure for opening said valve.

2. A steam pressing iron comprising, in combination, a water chamber in which steam is generated, a heated sole plate carried with the chamber and open through its ironing surface for discharging steam therefrom, conduit means having an open end forming a port opening into the chamber for leading steam to the sole plate to steam the work being ironed, valve means larger in diameter than the port and operatively disposed outside the conduit means for closing same so long as the steam does not exceed a predetermined pressure, means to maintain the side of the valve opposite its port engaging side at atmospheric pressure, and resilient means urging the valve closed and being responsive to an increase of steam pressure against the valve for opening it upwardly above the open end of the conduit means.

3. A steam pressing iron comprising, in combination, a water chamber in which steam is generated, a sole plate carried with the chamber and open through its ironing surface for discharging steam therefrom, heating means for the iron, conduit means leading steam from the chamber to the sole plate, a valve associated with the conduit means for shutting off the flow of steam therethrough, and diaphragm means operatively carrying the valve within the chamber and sealing the same therein, said diaphragm being larger in areaV than the conduit means and responsive to the rise of steam pressure for opening the valve.

4. A steam pressing iron comprising a water boiling chamber, a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for discharging steam into the work, and means for heating the iron, in combination with conduit means provided with an outlet port for conveying steam from the chamber to the orifice means, said conduit and orifice means being the only safety outlet to atmosphere for the escape of steam to relieve boiler pressure, a valve within the chambercoacting with the outlet port, a exible metallic diaphragm of larger diameter than the conduit means and being sealed'within the chamber and operatively carrying the valve on one side thereof to open and close the outlet port, and means cooperating with the other side of the diaphragm inside the chamber and extending therefrom outwardly through the chamber for varying or regulating the iiexure of said diaphragm.

5. A steam pressing iron comprising a water boiling chamber, a sole plate having orifice means y in its ironing surface for discharging steam into the work, and means for heating the iron, in combination with conduit means provided with an outlet port for conveying steam from the chamber to the orificey means, said conduit and orifice means being the only safety o utlet to atmosphere for the escape of steam to relieve boiler pressure, a valve within the chamber coacting with the outlet Dort, a flexible diaphragm of larger area than the conduit means and being sealed Within the chamber above the outlet port and operatively mounting the valve on its lower side to open and close said port, the diaphragm resiliently resisting the steam pressure and flexing in response thereto not only for relieving abnormal steam pressure through the work but also for normally controlling its discharge int) the Work, and manually operable means extending movably through the wall of the chamber and coacting with the upper side of the diaphragm by which an operator may vary the resistance thereof.

6. A steam pressing iron comprising a water boiler, a steam dome on the boiler, a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for discharging steam into the work, a tube leading from the dome to the orifice means, and heating means, in combination with a bushing nut means screwed pressure tight through the steam dome and provided with an axial bore, a diaphragm sealed onto the end of the nut means inside the dome to coact vwith the tube for opening and closing it, and a stem slidably confined in the bore of the nut means with one end of said stem cooperating with the diaphragm and the other end projecting outside the dome thus providing a, manual control means to actuate the diaphragm.

7. A steam pressing iron comprising a water boiler, a steam dome on the boiler, a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for discharging steam into the work, a tube leading from the dome to the orifice means, and heating means, in combination with a bushing nut screwed through the steam dome and provided with an axial bore, said bushing nut having an enlarged end inside the dome screwed pressure tight against gasket means, a diaphragm sealed onto the enlarged end to coact'with the tube for opening and closing it, and a stem slidably conned in the bore of the bushing nut with one end of said stem vcooperating with the diaphragm and the other end projecting outside the dome thus providing a manual control means to actuate the diaphragm.

8. A steam pressing iron comprising a water boiler, a steam dome on the boiler, a sole plate having orice means in its ironing surface for discharging steam into the work, a tube leading from the dome to the orifice means, and heating means, in combination with a bushing nut screwed pressure tight through the steam dome and provided with an axial bore, a diaphragm sealed onto-thelend of the nut inside the dome to coact with the tube for opening and closing it, a spring cooperating with the diaphragm, and a stem slidably confined in the bore of the bushing nut with one end of said stem engaging the spring and the other end projecting outside the dome thus providinga manual control means to compress the spring for actuating the diaphragm.

9. A steam pressing iron comprising a water boiler, a steam dome on the boiler, a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for discharging steam into the work, a, tube leading from the dome to the orice means, and heatingr means, in combination with a bushing nut screwed pressure tight through the steam dome and provided with an axial bore, a. diaphragm sealed ontothe end of the bushing nut inside the dome to resiliently coact with the tube for opening and closing it, a stem operatively mounted in thek bore of the bushing nut, and a coil spring mounted between the stern and diaphragm operatively engaging both, said spring being compressible by inward movement of the stem to increase the resilient closing force of the diaphragm in relation to the tube.-

10. A steam pressing iron comprising a water boiler, a steam dome on the boiler, a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for discharging steam into the work, a steam discharge tube leading from the dome to the orifice means, and heating means, in combination with a bushing nut screwed pressure tight through the steam dome and provided with an axial bore, a diaphragm sealed onto the end of the bushing nut inside the dome to resiliently coact with the tube for closing it against steam pressure in the boiler, and a stem slidably confined in the bore of the bushing nut with one end of said stern projecting outside the dome thus providing a manual control means, and a coil spring interposed between the diaphragm and the stem, said spring being compressed by inward movement of the manual control means urging the diaphragm to close the tube, and the sudden release of the spring compression acting to initiate the opening of the tube by virtue of the inertia of the stem and spring.

11. A steam pressing iron comprising a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for steaming the work, a Water boiler thereon for generating steam, heating means, and a tube with its upper end open forming a valve port in the boiler for leading steam to the orifice means, in combination with a metallic diaphragm of the tubular-bellows type larger in diameter than the tube, said tubular bellows having one end thereof attached to the boiler and its other end being resiliently free to coact with the valve port.

12. A steam pressing iron comprising a sole plate having orice means in its ironing surface for steaming the work, a Water boiler thereon for generating steam, heating means, and a tube with its -upper end open forming a valve port in the boiler for leading steam to theA orice means,

in combination with a metallic diaphragm of the i tubular-bellows type larger in diameter than the tube, said tubular bellows having one end thereof attached to the boiler with its other end resiliently free to coact with the valve port, said attached end being sealed against the entry of steam into the tubular diaphragm, and a plunger constituting manual means reciprocably mounted through the wall of the boiler and extending into the attached-sealed end to cooperate with the resiliently-free end of the diaphragm to control its coactlon aforesaid with the valve seat.

13. A steam pressing iron comprising a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for steaming the work, a water boiler thereon for generating steam, a steam dome on the water boiler, heating means, and a tube with its upper end open forming a valve port in the dome for leading steam to the orice means, in combination with an elastic diaphragm means of larger area than the tube and having one portion thereof sealed within the steam dome, the other portion being movable in relation to the valve port and constituting normally-closed valve means for automatically shutting off the steam flow through the tube until the steam pressure rises to a predetermined value, thereby acting as a combination safety and control valve to automatically relieve the boiler pressure for periodically steaming the work.

14. A steam pressing iron comprising a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for steaming the work, a water boiler thereon for generating steam, a steam dome on the water boiler, heating means, and a tube with its upper end open forming a valve port in the dome for leading steam to the orifice means, in combination with a resilient diaphragm mounted in the steam dome above the valve port and constituting control valve means to close the valve port for controlling the ilow of steam to the work, and means effecting a pressure tight fit for securing one portion of the diaphragm in xed relation with the dome and leaving the other portion resiliently free constituting the valve means aforesaid.

15.A A steam pressing iron comprising a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for steaming the work, a water boiler thereon for generat'ng steam, a steam dome on the water boiler, heating means, and a tube with its upper end open forming a valve port in the dome for leading steam.to the orifice means, in ccmbination with a nut screw threaded through the wall of the steam dome, a circular housing integrally formed on the nut and supported inside the dome, a disk diaphragm of larger diameter than the tube and the perimeter of said diaphragm being sealed in the circular housing, the center of the diaphragm being elastically free and adapted to coact with the valve'port aforesaid to open and close same, an axial bore formed in the nut, and a manually controllable plunger mounted in the bore and cooperating with the diaphragm to vary its elasticity and control its coaction with the valve port.

16. A steam pressing iron comprising a sole plate having orifice means in its ironing surface for steaming the work, a water bciler thereon for generating steam, a steam dome on the water boiler, heating means, and a tube with its upper end open forming a valve port in the dome for leading steam to the orifice means, in combination with a resilient diaphragm larger than the valve port and having its outer portion sealed within the dome, and its center portion being resiliently free and acting as valve means normally closing the valve port against the steam pressure in the dome but which opens and closes at spaced intervals responsive to increase and decrease in pressure, thereby affording a fullyautomatic control for periodically steaming the work.

17. A steam pressing iron comprising a sole plate having oriiice` means in its ironing surface for steaming the Work, a water boiler thereon for 'generating steam, a steam dome on the water boiler, heating means, and a tube with its upper end open forming a valve port in the dome for leading steam to the orice means, in combination with a disk-type diaphragm having its periphery sealed within the steam dome, leaving its center resiliently free and forming a valve means for normally engaging and closing the valve port against the steam pressure and for periodically opening and closing in response to a rise and drop in said pressure, thereby providing a fully-automatic control for the valve port.

18. A steam pressing iron having a water boiler and steam dome carried on a heated sole plate which is provided with suitable orifice means to steam treat the work, in combination with a handle having one end anchored to the iron and its other end disposed over the hot steam dome in spaced relation therefrom, thus providing an air space between the dome and handle to reduce heating of the latter, and a manual control member for the iron operatively mounted on the handle above the steam dome and also above the air space to maintain said member in a cool condition.

19. A steam pressing iron having a water boiler and steam dome carried on a heated sole plate which is provided with suitable orifice means to steam treat the work, in combination with a valve stem operatively -mounted in the steam dome, a handle having one end anchored to the iron and its other end free and being disposed over` the hot steam dome in spaced relation from the valve stem, and an operating manual carried on the handle for actuating the valve stem, the spaced relation serving to reduce heat transfer from the steam dome to the handle.

20. A steam pressing iron having a water boiler and steam dome carried on a heated sole plate which is provided with suitable oriiice means to steam treat the Work, in combination with a handle having one end anchored to the iron and its other end disposed adjacent the steam dome, and operating members, including a finger manual to control the steam iron, carried by the handle and the dome, and being so constructed and arranged as not only to provide an air space between said operating members when the latter.

are at inoperative positions but also between the hot dome and the handle, whereby a controlledsteam iron operating at high temperature carries its handle and iinger manual at low temperature.

21. A steam pressing iron having a water boiler in'which steam is generated, and a heated sole plate which is provided with suitable orifice means to steam treat the work, in combination with valve control means for the iron, including an operating plunger projecting upwardly from the boiler and operating at high temperature, a handle on the iron above the operating plunger, a slot recessed into the handle above the pl ger, and a trigger pivotally mounted on the in the slot, said plunger and trigger bei eratively engageable and including an air space therebetween when not engaged to avoid heat exchange from the plunger tothe trigger.

22. A steam pressing iron comprising, in combination, a heated water chamber in which steam is generated, a heated sole plate carried with the water chamber and open through its ironing surface for discharging steam therefrom, conduit means opening into the chamber and leading steam therefrom to the sole plate for steaming the Work being ironed, and a resilient diaphragm of larger area than the conduit means and being sealed into the water chamber and cooperating with the opening of the conduit means and thereby acting as a valve to start and Stop the ow of steam.

23. A steam pressing iron comprising, in co'mbination, a. heated water chamber in which steam is generated, a heated sole plate carried with the water chamber and open through its ironing surface for discharging steam therefrom, conduit fmeans opening into the chamber and leading steam therefrom to the sole plate for steaming the work being ironed, a resilient diaphragm of larger area than the conduit means and being sealed into the water chamber 'and cooperating with the opening of the conduit means acting as a valve to start and stop the flow of steam, and a manual control means including a valve stem reciprocably mounted throughthe wall of the water chamber and having its inner end cooperating with the diaphragm, whereby an operator may urge the diaphragm toward the conduit opening to close the same for trapping steam within the water chamber or cause the diaphragm to move away from said conduit opening for discharging steam from said chamber.

24. A steam pressing iron comprising, in combination, a heated Water chamber in which steam is generated, a heated sole plate carried with the Water chamber and open through its ironing sur- .face for discharging steam therefrom, conduit means opening into the chamber and leading steam therefrom to the sole plate for steaming the work being ironed, and valve means within the chamber comprising a diaphragm larger in area than the conduit means and normally seated over and closing the conduit opening for shutting` off the steam ow from the chamber and which yields under a rise in steam pressure to open the conduit and discharge steam therethrough.

JAMES c. LEDiaE'I'riizR. 

